The celebration was announced a week before the soldiers were set to return. The Mayor of Trumann announced the homecoming party planning as a way to honor members of the military from all over, no matter what branch of the military they serve in.
Donations were granted to assist in the welcome home party reception for local troops. Money was raised by Mayor Sheila Walters to make sure that the homecoming party was perfect and well received.
There was even a special tribute made for Specialist Erich Smallwood who was a local soldier in Trumann who lost his life during the summer of this year. The special tribute was held on October 12 at the Trumann high school, where Erich Smallwood’s football jersey would be honored and retired during the foot ball game’s halftime. According to the Trumann School Superintendent, Erich deserved to be honored for defending our country. He was a special boy who deserved a specific honor ceremony because everyone at the school was so proud of him.
Both ceremonies were touching and well received, honoring soldiers who have fought hard to protect our country in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Both soldiers who have returned and those who have left us forever were honored in kind.
